Washington, DC – Today Congress cut a deal to extend the
Payroll Tax Credit, which would provide much-needed tax cuts for the middle
class. However, they excluded critical provisions for the clean energy
sector, jeopardizing tens of thousands of American jobs.

In response, Dave Hamilton, Senior
Director of Energy Policy for the Sierra Club, issued the following statement:

“Sierra Club and other organizations have been working
against the clock to gain passage of critical energy financing provisions such
as the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and 1603 grants for renewable energy.
These much-needed incentives would have continued to create jobs in the
wind and solar industries as well as targeting hard-hit sectors such as energy
efficient manufacturing and home construction.

“The failure by Congress to extend the PTC and make a
dependable commitment to clean energy has already dried up orders for new wind
turbines and created a crisis where thousands of layoffs are imminent. We
urge clean energy supporters in the House and Senate to redouble their efforts
and take swift action to prevent mass layoffs and stabilize financing
conditions for the clean energy sector and create jobs. Those
blocking these field-leveling incentives in Congress can expect to bear
direct responsibility for the loss of thousands of good paying
American clean energy jobs."